Paralibrarian Committee Recognition Program and Seminars

The PAralibrarian Recognition Award (PARA) is a pilot program introduced at the MLA Fall Conference: 21st Century Literacies. The Paralibrarian Section recently mailed letters to all directors of public libraries in Massachusetts, describing PARA.

To learn more about how to help support staff at your library, or to learn exactly what becoming a PARA means, please attend either the following seminar, or one of these roundtables.

For directors and library managers:

Focus on Paraprofessionals: Creating Success at All Levels of the Library Profession - April 28, 2006

At this seminar, you'll hear success stories from several libraries and library associations that have implemented programs and workplace practices that help promote and recognize the important work of library support staff. Join NELINET and learn how other libraries are addressing key management and personnel issues. For a full description: www.nelinet.net/travreg/CallEventLookup.asp?EventId=00000107

Learn how Valeria Fike, Paraprofessional of the Year 2006, has "inspired many of her colleagues to see the role of the paraprofessional is one of multifaceted possiblities combining service, personal growth, leadership and creativity."

Addtional Speakers:

Deborah Bockus, Access Services Manager, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Career Development and the Paralibrarian Recognition of Achievement Award

Debbie Pennino, Technical Services, Northeastern University
The Librarian's Viewpoint

Gerry Deyermond, Memorial Hall Public Library
The Paraprofessional's Viewpoint

For support staff:

The Paralibrarian Section is hosting a series of roundtables to promote and explain its new program, the PAralibrarian Recognition of Achievement (PARA). This program is open to all support staff from every type of library in the state. The goal is to acknowledge library experience and skills, and to expand career opportunities. Please attend our information sessions to find out more!

Friday, April 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Roundtable at WMRLS Headquarters. Please RSVP Debbie Bockus by April 13th (dbockus@wpi.edua).

Friday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Roundtable at Northeastern University, Boston Please contact Debbie Penino (d.pennino@neu.edu)

Thursday, April 27, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Roundtable at Worcester Public Library Please contact Kerry Mayotte 508-865-2580

Also, look for upcoming roundtables in Southeastern and Central Massachusetts, and check out the PARA program guidelines and forms at www.masslib.org.